Harrison Hills hosting Mobile Market for food bank

CADIZ- The Harrison Hills City School District is making sure residents do not go hungry by hosting a Mobile Market through the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

The school board approved an agreement during its July 28 regular meeting to provide the bi-monthly program at the administration office (formerly Harrison Westgate Elementary School) located at 730 Peppard Ave. in Cadiz. The Mobile Market will distribute food onsite and residents who fall below 200 percent of the federal poverty level qualify to participate. Times have not yet been established but officials hope to begin in August.

The Grove City-based Mid-Ohio Foodbank, or MOF, already has ties with Harrison County by providing food to pantries in Cadiz and Freeport, plus Harcatus and the county senior center. The Mobile Market will distribute fresh produce, eggs, milk and other staples for free to low-income residents who may be seniors or households with children. Clients are those generally eligible to visit pantries but may lack transportation, while the children may also receive free or reduced lunches at school. Now in it’s second phase, the Mobile Market is extending its reach to outlying service areas. The refrigerated market truck visits housing sites, community centers, public libraries and schools with the goal of directly helping to alleviate hunger.

The district became involved after Administrative Assistant Dana Snider completed a child hunger survey for the organization.

“The truck holds enough food for 130 families,” Dr. Ash said. “A room in the building will be dedicated to serving families and we will have a main entrance for the residents close to the parking lot.”

For its part, the district will provide volunteers to assist with unloading and set up, plus facilities for the distribution. Students seeking academic letters for community service at Harrison Central Jr./Sr. High School will be called upon to lend a hand. Dr. Ash said he and the school district were proud to be part of a worthwhile effort.

“This is another great opportunity for us,” he commented. “It’s a way to help the community.”

Residents are invited to bring their own bags and means of carrying the food home. The food bank driver will oversee the distribution for about two hours before loading any remaining food for another stop or the return trip. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and the program also allows people to remain anonymous.

For more information, contact the district at 740-942-7800

Press Release Sent In via Amy Gareis

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